The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development began work Monday to “significantly improve the traveling experience” on about 13 miles of Interstate 20, from the Texas state line to just east of Monkhouse Drive in Shreveport.

The $17.2 million project will involve patching, milling and overlaying both eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate and its shoulders.

“Patching will be what happens first, to a depth of eight inches, followed by milling — removal of two inches of the roadway surface — and then the overlay,” said Erin Buchanan, public information officer for DOTD. “Patching first will allow for a smoother finish once all of the work is complete, because severely damaged parts are being addressed prior to the mill and overlay operations.”

DOTD is advising drivers to be aware of nightly lane closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the project area.

“We anticipate only nightly lane closures for the first 60 days, and possibly longer,” Buchanan said. “However, there will likely be times when the contractor requests daytime lane closures as work progresses.”

When that occurrence arises, DOTD will issue notifications via MyDOTD. Drivers who are interested in receiving updates about how this project might affect their travel are encouraged to sign up here.

Phase One of the project will last approximately 60 days, with Phase Two following afterward.

“Phase One will move into Phase Two with much of the same work continuing as the contractor starts at the Texas state line and moves eastward,” Buchanan said. “Even with nightly lane closures, we do anticipate traffic queues (lines) to develop at times and strongly urge everyone to be aware that this project is taking place and drive with caution through the area.”

An alternate route if needed will be U.S. 80. The entire project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019, weather permitting.